This chapter is really domestic. It's all about getting feels out in the open and re-establishing where relationships are here and now. Lots of confrontation, lots of hugs and tears and feelings. Mushy? Yes. But I absolutely loved writing it. I ended it where I did because it was getting long. More on the way ~

Nothing had changed - literally, nothing. The Burrow still smelled like gingerbread, even though Molly almost never baked gingerbread. The pictures on the walls were still smiling happily, except for Bill's which was taken during a rebellious teenage phase where all he wanted to do was look solemn. The fireplace still filled the parlor with an orange, earthy glow, which cast a color on the wooden walls that Hermione would forever identify as the color of home. The house was like a freeze frame, immune to the passing of time. Hermione felt a warmth in her heart that she hadn't felt in years. The feeling of being safe, and familiar. God, when was the last time anything had felt familiar to her?

She looked down at the boy whose knuckles were turning white in her hand. This was home to her, but to him? This was a fairytale. The pictures were moving, smiling at him in greeting. He could see into the kitchen where a knife was cutting up carrots and celery unassisted. The fireplace was burning without any logs in it, and there was a crackle in the air of magical energy that Sam had never felt before at this level.

Hermione had never seen her son smile so brightly.

"Molly, Arthur!" Luna called out. "We're here."

Hermione tensed as Molly Weasley came out of the kitchen. Their eyes met for a brief moment, and Hermione wondered if she was about to be hexed. Then Molly was pulling her into a tight hug, and Hermione couldn't help the small laugh that left her throat.

"It's so good to see you, dear."

"I am so sorry," Hermione whispered. "I am so, so sorry."

"There will be time for that later." Molly pulled back and brushed her hand across Hermione's cheek. "But for now, I think introductions are in order."

"Yes!" Hermione brought Sam around and held him by the shoulders. "Sam, this is Mrs. Weasley. She's your grandmother."

"Hello, ma'am," Sam said quietly. Hermione could see the sad purse of Molly's lips, and knew it was taking everything the older woman had not to draw Sam into a back-breaking hug.

"Well it is just fantastic to meet you Sam," Molly said quietly.

"A real pleasure," Arthur came around and put a comforting arm around his wife's shoulder as he offered a hand to Sam. "Arthur Weasley, good to meet you son."

Sam shook Arthur's hand politely and Hermione felt her heart tighten at the sight of the man who had been all but a father to her.

"And it is good to see you, Hermione," Arthur added, bringing his eyes up to hers. "You look beautiful."

Hermione slid her hands down over Sam's chest and pulled him tightly against her. Luna could sense how overwhelmed Hermione was getting.

"This is a lot for everyone to take it," Luna said softly, in hopes that stating the obvious might break up a little bit of tension. "Perhaps some tea would help?"

"Pot's already on," Molly assured her. "And the kids should be arriving any -"

"HERMIONE!" The front door swung open and Hermione had only a minute to take in the sight of red hair before Ginny had latched herself to her long lost friend, sandwiching poor Sam between them. "Oh Hermione oh you complete bitch I've missed you so much."

"Ginevra!" Molly admonished. "Really there's a child here!"

"Oh!" Ginny flushed. "Oh I'm sorry. Hello Sam, I'm your Aunt Ginny."

Sam nodded shyly, and Ginny found herself gushing. "Oh he looks just like Charlie."

Hermione's eyes snapped up to meet Molly's, who nodded understandingly.

"Luna told us, and it's all right. No more secrets sweetheart, you're still family. Sam is still family. No one is holding this against you."

"No one?" Hermione asked, raising an eyebrow incredulously.

Molly's smile faltered. "Well... We told Ron the truth, at any rate. I honestly think he's less upset than Harry is. It'll be hard for awhile, but Sam is still his nephew, and we'll all learn to get past what's happened."

Hermione didn't have a chance to respond, because just then the twins came bounding loudly through the front door. Fred kissed his mother briefly before introducing himself to Sam. He offered him a bag of Bertie Botts every flavored beans, carefully explaining the risks of the treat before winking and adding that the risk was half the fun. Sam grinned, and broke away from his mother's grasp for the first time to take the gift from Fred. Everyone could see the bond between the two was instant. While Sam was being entertained, George circled an arm around Hermione's shoulders and pressed a kiss to her cheek.

"Missed you like hell, Sis," he whispered. Hermione squeezed his hand.

"You too."

The family moved over and arranged themselves on the living room furniture, most everyone staying quiet as Fred chatted with Sam, asking about school and promising to teach him how to use magic to catch frogs. The pressure in Hermione's chest started to build again. Everyone looked older, especially Ginny, who's thin frame had matured into that of a beautiful woman, but no one had changed in the least. They were welcoming Sam into their circle without a second though - of course they were, Hermione chastised herself for expecting anything different - and she felt an immense wave of guilt for keeping him away from them for so long.

That guilt, she realized as the door opened again, was only just beginning.

Charlie's entrance was quieter than the others' had been. Hermione might not have even noticed it if Ginny's head hadn't snapped up at the sound of the creaking door. He moved quietly through the foyer, to the living room where his family was crowded. He didn't spare Hermione a glance, though she didn't really expect him to. His eyes were completely transfixed on his son.

Sam was sitting on the floor with Fred, and they were laughing together as Fred manipulated the fire into different shapes. George cleared his throat softly, and Fred stopped laughing at the signal. He put his wand away, ignoring Sam's disappointed frown, and watched as his older brother knelt down next to them.

"Hey Sam," Charlie said quietly. "I'm... " Hermione heard the tears in his voice, and looked at Molly. She saw the look on the older woman's face, a look that she as a mother recognized. Molly wanted nothing more than to lunge forward and scoop Charlie up in that moment, soften any pain he might be feeling, hold him until the tears went away. It dawned on Hermione that Molly and Arthur had been the ones to tell Charlie what he was walking into tonight, and she felt her throat close up at the thought. That should have been her burden, not theirs.

"I'm your dad," Charlie finally managed to choke out. Hermione watched a parade of emotions cross Sam's face, until finally, he rose to his feet, stepped forward, and threw his arms around Charlie's neck.

Charlie wrapped his arms tightly around Sam and rocked back on his heels so that the boy was lifted off the ground. Hermione felt tears start to roll down her cheeks, and was grateful when Luna reached over and laced her fingers into her's.

Charlie eventually put Sam down. He cupped his hands around the boy's damp cheeks and brushed the sandy brown bangs out of face. They looked into each other's matching eyes and both laughed softly.

"You're a handsome devil," Charlie said. "I'm sorry I haven't been around, Sammy."

Sam shrugged, his lips quivering as he tried to decide if he was going to smile or start sobbing. "S'okay. Mom always told me it wasn't your fault. She said you'd love me if you met me."

"She was right," Charlie promised. "I love you very, very much, Sam. And now that we've met I'm never letting you go again."

They embraced again, and Hermione heard sniffling coming from the end of the couch. She looked and saw Ginny burying her face in George's shoulder, trying to hide her tears. A glance around the room told her the rest of the family was similarly affected. Even Arthur was crying quietly, and Percy, who Hermione hadn't even noticed had joined them, was standing in the corner with a hand clasped over his heart.

"Well, that's that then," Molly stood, obviously hurrying to get out of the room. "Let me go put dinner in the oven. I'm making your favorite, Hermione, my famous chicken and dumplings. It'll be ready in no time."

Charlie turned at the mention of Hermione, and met her eyes brown eyes with his own cool blue ones. Hermione sucked in her bottom lip and chewed it nervously, unsure on how to respond to his gaze.

"Hey guys," everyone turned and looked. Ron and Harry were standing just inside the door.

"Come in you dolts," Fred said a little too seriously. "Are you waiting for an invitation into your own house? Come say hi to our new friend." He looked at Hermione. "And our old one."

"Sam," Ron said with a nod. Hermione swore she could hear his heart pounding from where she sat. "It's good to you meet you. I'm Ron." He gestured towards Harry. "You two have met."

"Right, well, no need for the whole evening to be awkward." Charlie stood, and Hermione smiled when he naturally picked Sam up off the ground to come with him. "We'll be in the kitchen helping Mum. You guys get your feelings out and then we'll have a nice evening. Ok?" He made to leave, but paused to set a hand on Hermione's shoulder.

"We should probably talk later."

Hermione nodded, almost nervously, but Charlie winked at her before walking out, and she felt the pressure leave her shoulders.

"We should go set the table," Ginny said, standing quickly and tugging on George's sleeve to come with her.

"Yes, absolutely," George agreed, also rising to his feet. "Come along, Fred."

"It takes three of us to set the - OW." George cuffed Fred upside the head, and Fred swore at him loudly in response before getting up to follow them.

"I'll help," Percy chimed in. He walked over to Hermione, who stood up off the couch to give him a tight hug. "Glad you're back and all that," he murmured into her hair. Hermione smiled and gave him a squeeze before he gracefully bowed out.

"And I would like to talk to you alone," Harry offered a hand out to Luna, who frowned, but took it, and let herself be led out of the room. Hermione turned to Ron and they both laughed softly.

"Well we sure know how to clear a room," Hermione commented.

"You look beautiful, Hermione," Ron said softly. Hermione blushed and tucked her hair behind her ear.

"Your dad already tried that line on me."

"I mean it." Ron stepped forward and took her hands in his. "God, 'Mione, what happened to us? We were in love, more in love than anyone. One fight, and you run away to live as a Muggle of all things?"

"I left to be with my family," Hermione said sternly, pulling her hands away.

"Your family was here."

"You told me to leave."

"I say things!" Ron snapped. "I'm a complete arse, I always have been. You could've come back, you could've hexed me to hell, you could've set me on fire, anything but this! It's been eight years -"

"I was going to come back!" Hermione yelled. "I was going to do all those things, honestly. But then I found out I was pregnant and I couldn't bring a child back to this life."

"This life?" Ron asked incredulously. "What, back to a loving family, a support system, people who understand - "

"Ron stop," Hermione begged. "You didn't understand, you didn't see. I was so bloody caught up in being strong that I didn't let anyone see what my life here was like. I was harrassed, I was hunted, my life was threatened on a daily basis because of what I am, how I was born. I still have the word mudblood tattooed on me." She pulled up her sleeve and showed him the scar Bellatrix had left on her all those years ago.

"We could've protected you," Ron insisted quietly.

"No," she shook her head. "You couldn't have. I'm not even sure you would've tried if I came back with your brother's son in tow."

"And you were so sure he wasn't mine?" Ron snapped again.

Hermione nodded. "I was sure. Ans Sam would've been a weakness, something for them to hurt me with. He wouldn't have survived a year. I couldn't, Ron."

Harry led Luna outside. The night air was brisk, and she pulled her sweater more tightly around her torso in an attempt to keep warm.

"What's this then?"

Harry looked up at the starry night for a long moment, and then back down at his girlfriend, letting out a mournful breath as he did so.

"I was wrong."

"Fucking right you were wrong." She tried to shift into a pissed off stance, but merely succeeded at looking like she was cold - which she was.

"You tried to tell me."

"I did."

Harry sighed and stepped towards her. "Is it enough if I admit I'm an ass?"

Luna jutted out her jaw stubbornly. "It might be a start."

"I am a complete," Harry smiled and put his hands on her arms. "and utter ass. I don't want to stand up for Ron if it means I'm standing against you."

Luna swallowed, finding it hard to remain angry when he was giving her that puppy look.

"Last night," Harry continued on quietly. "Was the first night in a long time I hadn't had you with me. We used to spend all sorts of time apart, and it was fine. But I realized, when I woke up alone this morning, that I can't do that anymore. No more of this 'your place, my place' crap."

"What do you mean?" Luna asked.

"Our place," Harry touched his forehead to hers. "If I'm ever an ass again, send me to the couch for the night, or the week, whatever I deserve. But I'm never kicking you out again. Move in with me, for real."

"It would still be your place, Harry."

"I'll add your name to the lease."

"Your furniture, your kitchen, your wall hangings - "

"I'll let you redecorate."

Luna's eyes lit up. "You mean that?"

"Yes. Whatever makes you feel at home. You can hang Ravenclaw banners from my Quidditch trophies, I don't care. Just come back. Stay with me."

Luna squealed and grabbed Harry's face to give him a slightly-overenthused kiss. They laughed as their teeth clacked together, and she threw her arms around him in celebration.

"I love you Harry!" she exclaimed.

"I love you too," he laughed. "We should go inside and save our friends from each other, yeah?"

"Oh dear," Luna threw a look over her shoulder. "You think she's hexed him yet?"

In the kitchen, Charlie stood over the stove with Sam on his hip, and stirred the vegetables in the boiling water. Sam laughed jovially as Charlie made the ladle swirl around the pot without touching it, and Molly watched her son's eyes light up with unmasked joy.

"Quite a pair, you two."

"Aren't they?" Ginny entered the kitchen and put her head down on her mother's shoulder. "I'm so happy, I feel like the family is back together again."

"Where are your brothers?"

"Percy and Fred went upstairs to look for something," George came into the kitchen and kissed his mother on the cheek. "Don't need to keep track of us all the time Mum, we're adults now."

"Hardly," Molly quipped, but touched George on the cheek lovingly before turning back to her cooking. "Sam, how does chocolate cake sound for dessert?"

"Great!" Sam yelled enthusiastically. "I like strawberries on top."

"Really?" Charlie asked with a smile. "Me too."

"Strawberries it is then!" Molly busied herself with finding a cake pan.

Arthur walked in, and Ginny could tell her father had been crying, but chose not to say anything. He walked over to Charlie and clasped a strong hand on his son's shoulder.

"You should stay here for a few days. We already offered Hermione and Sam a couple of rooms until she figures out what she's going to do next. You should stick around too."

Sam looked hopefully at his father, and Charlie swallowed awkwardly. Molly, sensing the tension, came over to get Sam.

"Would you like to help me with dessert, honey?"

Charlie put Sam down on the floor and watched gratefully as the boy scampered off with Molly. He then grabbed Arthur by his sleeve and pulled him to the side.

"What the hell was that, Dad? I can't say no now, you got his hopes up."

"That boy is almost seven years old, Charles." Charlie flinched at his full first name. "He's never known his father, and what's worse to me is that you've never gotten the chance to know him."

"Exactly!" Charlie said a little too loudly. He lowered his voice to a whisper. "I've never had the chance. Don't you think me and Hermione might have a few things to work out before I spend a weekend is close quarters with them. We aren't exactly a big happy family right now, it's gonna take time."

"Then take the time, take it now, get everything worked through, and figure out how you're going to be a part of this kid's life. I love you son, but you can be a real coward sometimes, and I don't want you running back to Romania without sorting out whatever you need to sort out here."

Charlie set his jaw defiantly at the accusation. "It's not as if I'd never come back."

"In what?" Arthur pressed. "Another year? Two?"

"I'm not the one that kept me and Sam apart."

"But you might be the one that continues it. This is real, Charlie. Real is new for you. Real is more intense than you are used to."

"Dragon taming is rather intense, Dad."

"Not as intense as parenting. Swallow your damn pride and listen to your father for once. Stay, for just a few days."

Charlie's jaw tightened, and Arthur clapped him stongly on the back. He was going to speak again in argument when Hermione's shouting sounded from the other room. George ran in and grabbed Charlie by his chest and shoulder to keep him from rushing in after her.

"Best not," George said quietly into his brother's ear. "I'll go? Ok. I'll go."

Memories passed between Charlie and George of all the fights he and Ron had been in following Hermione's departure years earlier. Charlie relaxed and nodded, and George nodded back before disappearing out of the room.

"We were going to get married," Ron was pleading with Hermione now. "Do you remember that, Hermione? You wanted to marry me. We wanted a family, kids."

Hermione ran a hand through her hair. "Ron please not tonight. Don't do this. I'm trying to have a nice night, with my son. There's enough going on without dragging up all of this."

"No, listen!" Ron shouted. "Eight years Hermione, I've waited eight years for this! Just to fucking talk to you! To see if we can work past this bullshit and you need to listen to me!"

"Don't yell at me with my son in the next room!" Hermione shouted back. "Your emotional baggage is not my problem tonight!"

"You are my emotional baggage you stupid bitch!"

"Whoa!" George stepped quickly between Ron and Hermione. "Easy, Ron!"

"You would take her side," Ron seethed. George stepped forward and grabbed Ron by his shirt.

"Tonight is about her, you stupid, selfish brat. And that kid. Charlie's kid. This isn't about your teenage angst."

"I need to know, George."

"Fine!" George turned to Hermione. "Are you still in love with Ron?"

Hermione shook her head quickly. George turned back.

"Now you know. Move on. Be an adult."

Ron shoved his brother, and George pulled his wand. Ron was about to pull his too, when a hand grabbed him by the back of his shirt and jostled him lightly.

"Don't," Harry warned. Luna rushed up behind them, her eyes wide and fearful.

"Get some air." Harry let go of Ron, and Ron gave a final glare to his brother and Hermione. He stormed out the front door, and they heard him apparate away.

"Hermione?" Luna asked gently. "You ok?"

Hermione nodded, though her entire body was shaking and her hand was clasped firmly over her mouth. George laughed and pulled her into a hug.

"Just like old times, yeah?" he let his jovial tone fall away to whisper close to her ear. "You're ok 'Mione."

"Did Sam hear any of that?" Hermione asked.

"Nope!" George said proudly. "Silencing spells, work like a charm. I put one up on the kitchen when I heard you shouting. Mum and Dad didn't hear anything either."

"We did," Fred came down the stairs with Percy in tow. "Where the hell did the little prat go I'm going to wring his neck."

"He left," George responded. "Now let's just get on with the night. Like it never happened, ok?"

"What's that?" Luna asked, nodding at the book in Percy's hands.

"It's a Hogwarts yearbook," Percy said, grinning. "From Fred's fifth year. Thought it might be something Sam would like to see."

A smile tugged at the corners of Hermione's mouth. "Yeah I think he'd like that a lot, Perc."

"Dinner's ready!" Ginny called from the other room. Harry and Luna laced their fingers together and headed into the dining room. George squeezed Hermione shoulders supportively and led her after them. Fred stuck his tongue out at his twin in annoyance - really, when did George develop this need to take care of everybody - and comically laced arms with Percy, all but skipping towards the dining room in jest.

Hermione sat down at the table next to Ginny, trying to shake the realization that the night was just beginning.

Everyone's put their feelings on the table! Hooray feelings! Now Sam gets to have his first Weasley family dinner.